One Dead And One Ill!

[j mac]

Hi
I would be grateful for any advice please! Over last few days noticed that one ember tetra has been generally still in middle of tank and gasping constantly. It looks bloated and dull in colour but is still eating well enough. Then last night found one of penguin tetras dead - but not notice it to be ill or anythingr rest of fish seem happy enough. I have had the tank set up for over 2years now and have not changed anything recently. Took water test this am see below, but all normal for this tank.
Any ideas?



Tank size: 60 l
pH:High 7.6
ammonia:0
nitrite:0
nitrate:10
tank temp:25


Tank inhabitants:14 ember tetras, 4 Penguin tetras, 1 chinese algae eater

 

[Chad]

How many other embers are in the tank with it?

 

[j mac]

Hi
13 other ember tetras and 4 penguin tetras and uptil last night when one penguin tetra died this has worked well for 18 months or so.

 

[Chad]

Not sure. Could just be an older or sick fish. Life span in the wild is 5 years for the ember and in captivity it ranges from 2-5 depending on conditions.

 

[j mac]

Okay thanks I was thinking along same lines myself - just wasn't sure if I was missing something.

 

[Chad]

Probably not, unless there are clear signs of illness such as ulcers, bloating, etc. I've learned that sometimes fish just get sick. Often they get well again on their own. Clean water, low stress, and quality food seem to be the key to getting them over their illness. If there are clear signs of illness then a medicine can be used of course but absent those clear symptoms I don't recommend medicating a fish...just love and care.

 

[j mac]

Yeah I have got to agree with you there!
Thanks again

 

[Chad]

You're welcome. Let us know how it goes with this fish.